Brand new cars, many of them luxury models, are being stolen from dealerships in several Westchester County communities by an elaborate identity theft ring, prosecutors say.
"Right now identity theft as it relates to cars, we have seen an increase," says Stefanie DeNise, Assistant District Attorney in the Westchester County District Attorney's office. She heads the investigation into the ring.
The latest case led to the arrest of Shamakia Walker. charged with Grand Larceny and Identity Theft. She allegedly used stolen identity information to secure a new car loan to purchase a new Toyota 4 Runner from Mariano Rivera Toyota in Mount Kisco.
She took possession of the car the same day but the stolen car has not been recovered.